Areas & Neighborhoods in Denton
While Denton is a growing city in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolis, its college-town status and friendly atmosphere have made it an appealing mix of laid-back and lively. Whether you're interested in the city's musical offerings, shopping possibilities, or local history, find what you're looking for in Denton's different neighborhoods.
Downtown Square
Centered around the beautifully restored Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square, Downtown Square—or The Square, as the locals call it—brims with antique shops, bars, and eateries serving up everything from old-fashioned ice cream to Thai. Check out live music at spots like The Abbey Underground and Andy's Bar, where Denton's burgeoning musicians come to play.
University of North Texas
There's always something happening at the University of North Texas, which stands as one of the largest universities in Texas with enrollment of over 37,000 students per year. Choose from an ever-fresh event program of concerts, art exhibitions, and theater productions, or head to the Sky Theater Planetarium to marvel at the mysteries of the stars.
Oak-Hickory Historic District
Populated with some of Denton's oldest and most beautiful houses, the Oak-Hickory neighborhood is an architecture lover's dream. Take a stroll in this residential area to discover 19th and early 20th-century masterpieces like the Evers Mansion, which combines the Colonial Revival style with distinct Victorian details.
Things to See in Denton
Denton's variety of museums invites you to immerse yourself in the city's heritage. Start in Downtown Square at the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum, housed in the stunning former Denton County courthouse constructed in 1896. Browse exhibits for a snapshot of Denton County's history, and pause at the grave of preacher and lawyer John B. Denton, for whom the city is named. Afterward, take the short walk over to the Historical Park on Mulberry Street. As you wander the park's grassy lawns, admire the Queen Anne-style architecture of the Bayless-Selby House Museum, and learn the stories of Denton County's African-American residents at the Quakertown House. Finally, if you're hungry for more history, consider an excursion to the Denton Firefighters' Museum, where you can browse over 150 years’ worth of firefighting memorabilia.
Sightseeing in Denton
Denton draws crowds numbering in the hundreds of thousands each year with an impressive offering of festivals and live music. Soak up the smooth sounds, food, and crafts at the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival, or spend 3 days band-hopping at 35 Denton, which has featured headlining acts like The Civil Wars, The Flaming Lips, and Portugal. The Man. If you're visiting in August, pull on your cowboy boots for a country-loving good time at the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo. With a lineup of events including steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, livestock shows, and a constant stream of hot country artists, this 9-day extravaganza is a lively celebration of all things cowboy. The summer months get toasty in Denton, so escape the heat like the locals do by cooling off at one of the area's sprawling man-made lakes, including Lake Ray Roberts and Lewisville Lake. The area also encompasses one of the largest concentrations of ranches in the United States. Embark on a ranch tour of North Texas Horse Country for a chance to admire the beauty of Appaloosas, Quarter Horses, Arabian horses, Paint Horses, and more stunning breeds.
